Indigenous Languages
The Center of Latin American Studies offers the
opportunity to study Kaqchikel Maya, which is spoken in
Guatemala, and Kichwa (Runa Ximi) which is spoken in
Ecuador. Haitian Creole, a French-based Creole language
spoken in Haiti and other islands in the Caribbean, is also
available, as is Miskitu, a language spoken on the Atlantic
Coast of Central America. KU is the only university in the
state that offers these languages.
Graduating with Honors
Departmental honors are awarded in recognition of
exceptional performance in the major. For Latin
American Studies majors, the following requirements
must be met for departmental honors:

An overall grade point average of at least 3.25
(including work outside of KU) and a grade
point average of at least 3.5 in the major.

Completion of a study abroad or servicelearning experience related to Latin American
Studies

Study of a second foreign language relevant to
the region. For honors students must attain
competency equivalent to the fourth-semester
level in a European language or the secondsemester level in an indigenous language.
FLAS Fellowships
With funds from the Department of Education, the Center
of Latin American Studies offers FLAS (Foreign
Language Area Studies) fellowships to undergraduates.
The fellowships provide tuition support and a stipend for
the academic year or summer study. Students who move
beyond the second semester in Portuguese, Kichwa,
Kaqchikel, or another less-commonly-taught language
spoken in Latin America may apply for a FLAS (Foreign
Language Area Studies) fellowship through the Center.
If you are interested in graduating with honors you will
need to consult with the Undergraduate Advisor to
declare your intention and complete a form declaring
your intent.
Students on the summer 2012 Language & Culture in
Nicaragua Program proudly display their KU gear in
front of the Laguna de Apoyo in Masaya, Nicaragua.
The Center of Latin American Studies
University of Kansas
1440 Jayhawk Blvd., Suite 320
Lawrence, KS 66045-7574
Email: latamst@ku.edu
(785) 864-4213 phone
(785) 864-3800 fax
www.latamst.ku.edu
Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies
A Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies can open up a
Undergraduate Advising
world of opportunities. If you are curious about the southern
Current and prospective Latin
neighbors of the United States and value cultural diversity and
American Studies majors and minors
flexibility, this major is for you. The Undergraduate program
should see the undergraduate advisor to
provides a broad background on the languages, geography,
plan their course of study and research
history, politics, societies and cultures of Mexico, the
funding and study abroad opportunities.
Caribbean, and Central and South America. Most majors study
abroad in the region, and such experience is encouraged. The
Peter Haney, Assistant Director &
Undergraduate Advisor
Latin American Studies degree is perfect for students wishing
Center for Latin American Studies
320 Bailey Hall
University of Kansas
Lawrence, KS 66045
(785) 864-1127
pchaney@ku.edu
organizations, government service, history, anthropology,
to work in international business, nongovernmental
geography and a variety of other academic disciplines. Many
students go on to pursue advanced degrees in academic fields,
law, business, social work, and education. Please write
(latamst@ku.edu) or call the Center (785-864-4213) with any
additional questions.
How do I get into the program?
Once you're enrolled in the College of Liberal Arts, you can
take courses in Latin American Area Studies. You become a
major when you fill out a major declaration form in the
program office.
Contact the program early for advising,
particularly if you plan to double major. Students who double
major are advised each semester in both departments.
UNDERGRADUATE DEGREE
Offered through the Center of Latin American
Studies:
B.A. in Latin American Studies.
Minor in Latin American Studies.
Double Major in Latin American Studies
Major Requirements:
Students interested in a major in Latin American
Studies must:

Fill out a major declaration form with
the Undergraduate Advisor.

Take 4 semesters of foreign language
relevant to the region (Spanish,
Portuguese, Quichua, Kaqchikel Maya
or Haitian Creole).

Complete 9 credits of LAA core
classes (LAA 100, 300, 450).

Complete 12 credits in courses
approved for the Culture, Literature
and the Arts area (300 level or higher).

Complete 12 credits in courses
approved for the Society, Politics and
Economics area (300 level or higher).
Minor Requirements:
Students interested in a minor in Latin American
Studies must:

Fill out a minor declaration form with
the Undergraduate Advisor.

Complete 6 credits of LAA core
classes (LAA 100 & 332).

12 credits in courses approved for the
Latin American Studies major (300
level or higher).

Only one of the four courses for the
minor may also count toward the
student’s major.